Histotripsy can safely target the pancreas in laboratory study
Medical Xpress
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Pancreatic cancer remains a significant health challenge, with only about 13% of patients surviving five years after diagnosis. This disease accounts for 3% of all cancers in the United States and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Current treatment options, such as surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, are often limited due to the pancreas' location in the body and the vague symptoms that characterize early-stage pancreatic cancer.
A recent laboratory study has demonstrated the potential of histotripsy—a minimally invasive technique using focused ultrasound—to safely target pancreatic tissue. Unlike traditional methods, histotripsy uses microbubbles to generate shockwaves that break up targeted tissues without damaging surrounding areas. This approach shows promise for treating pancreatic diseases, including cancer, by offering a non-invasive alternative to surgery.
The ability of histotripsy to precisely target the pancreas could revolutionize treatment options for patients with pancreatic cancer. By addressing the limitations of current therapies and reducing invasiveness, this technique may lead to better patient outcomes and fewer complications. Researchers emphasize that while further studies are needed, histotripsy represents a significant step forward in the fight against pancreatic cancer, offering hope for more effective and less risky treatments in the future.
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/24/2026